You can find a used Winchester 94 for around $400 and a new Marlin 336 for around $300. I've fired both and handled both, but more so with the Winchester and I have to say I like the Winchester better, because it was the first lever gun I have ever fired. Marlin makes an excellent rifle and I recommend either one of them.

I like the Marlin because of the side eject. No I don't see a real distinct advantage for it, except that my stepdad is able to mount a scope on the receiver (he's getting older, some of y'all know how that is) but the side eject just LOOKS like a sturdier design to me. But my understanding is that all levers are pretty sturdy, and 30-30 seems to be a great round for brush hunting. I've heard that round has taken more deer than any other caliber in America.

Most popular deer rifle in the US is the Winchester 94 in 30-30, but the second most popular is the Marlin 336- also in 30-30- and that one is my favorite "thutty-thutty". You will find a lot of the carbine length 336's around- the full length rifle does a bit better IMHO, but any of them are a good 200 yard or less deer gun.

If pickings are slim at your local gun shop, check gunbroker.com, auctionarms.com. Remember that you need to include the cost of shipping, and the fees you will pay to a local ffl to receive the gun for you when you are figuring how much you want to bid. BOTH of those sites have a "find a FFL" feature to let you locate a dealer that will handle transfers.

I've got an old 30-30 Model '94 I inherited from my uncle who was a cowboy up in Colorado back in the 1920's and even though that old rifle is 100 years old now, it still shoots great despite showing signs of its age. The more you use them, the smoother the action gets.

Again, I want to thank everyone who offered information to me. I got a really good offer on a Winchester 94 and I bought it. It's just a little rough but it will make a very nice "truck gun". Thanks again.

As I said earlier, my old '94 is 100 y.o. now and shows a lot of wear and tear from being carried on horseback in a saddle scabbard for years, but despite that it still functions and shoots perfectly. I'm not sure how old they have to get before they are too old.

Good luck with your new rifle, post some pictures when you get a chance.

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As I said earlier, my old '94 is 100 y.o. now and shows a lot of wear and tear from being carried on horseback in a saddle scabbard for years, but despite that it still functions and shoots perfectly. I'm not sure how old they have to get before they are too old.

Good luck with your new rifle, post some pictures when you get a chance.

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snakedriver, i don't think they can ever get too old if taken care of! nice looking gun for it beings as old as it is.

Again, I want to thank everyone who offered information to me. I got a really good offer on a Winchester 94 and I bought it. It's just a little rough but it will make a very nice "truck gun". Thanks again.

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tomkat, glad yo found one that you like. i have always liked the looks of the M94. if it is decent shape, it will serve you well. enjoy it.

As I said earlier, my old '94 is 100 y.o. now and shows a lot of wear and tear from being carried on horseback in a saddle scabbard for years, but despite that it still functions and shoots perfectly. I'm not sure how old they have to get before they are too old.

Good luck with your new rifle, post some pictures when you get a chance.

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There's no such thing as too old in my opinion, age is character when it comes to guns, furniture, cars and such like that.